X-Band Non-Contact Mechanical Waveguide Switch Using Iris Waveguide Technology

The design of a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) and single-pole single-throw (SPST) X-band waveguide switch for high-frequency applications is presented. The switch consists of two parts, an outer cube and an inner cylinder. The outer cube is fixed and the inner cylinder is located in the cavity inside the outer cube. The signal transmission path starts from the port in the outer cube. The rotating inner cylinder structure is used to provide switching and to complete the transmission path of the signal. There is no physical contact between the outer cube and the inner cylinder. Designing the switch in two parts is preferred for ease of manufacturing, assembly, and switching. Despite the gap structure in the signal transmission path, iris waveguide technology is used to ensure high electrical performance. The return loss of the switch is greater than 26 dB. The insertion loss is less than 0.02 dB and the isolation is greater than 120 dB.